2021 Audi Q5
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 8
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 74 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 100 |
| 2011 | 143 |
| 2012 | 168 |
| 2013 | 89 |
| 2014 | 105 |
| 2015 | 100 |
| 2016 | 78 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 209 |
| 2019 | 53 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 46 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
36% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing fuel gauge and adas.
Show complaint excerpts
On 8/3/26, my 2021 Audi Q5 began throwing numerous different malfunction/error alerts and the engine turned off while driving after a bottle of water had partially spilled onto our backseat behind the drivers side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20
Also filed under Power train
Q5 has a very serious defect, that is, there is a gateway module located under the rear seat cushion/cup holder. All of the communications to all the controllers go through this little box.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-06
Engine
23% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Reverse car went full throttle, brakes did not work, car stopped in reverse when it hit a tree. Seat belt did not tighten,
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-04
Also filed under Service brakes
When driving in extreme cold (ambient temperatures of -35 or colder) and I reach a speed of 50mph or higher, my engine fails.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-14
Power train
20% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing differential unit and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
VIN number: [XXX]. Audi Q5 Prestige 2021 Mileage 48,540 I have contacted Audi Corporate regarding a catastrophic Transmission Failure while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-28
Forward collision avoidance
19% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Service brakes
5% · 4 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was driving down a slight hill in 1/2 inch of snow at 5MPH and when I tired to gently brake as I descended the hill, the brake pedal had no resistance and went flat to the floor. I had no brakes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-12-04
Also filed under Steering
Safety timeline
8 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2021-06-04Suspension21V295000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
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R
2021-08-27Seat belts21V606000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.
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2022-01-21Electrical system, structure21V947000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
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2022-03-03Suspension, tires22V034000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.
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2022-10-25Back over prevention22V742000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
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2022-11-08Engine and engine cooling22V753000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022.
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2024-03-28Electrical system23V842000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations.
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2025-05-01Electrical system25V080000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V295000 · Suspension
- Recall 21V606000 · Seat belts
- Recall 21V947000 · Electrical system, structure
- Recall 22V034000 · Suspension, tires
- Recall 22V742000 · Back over prevention
- Recall 22V753000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 23V842000 · Electrical system
- Recall 25V080000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Audi Q5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Audi Q5 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi Q5?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Audi Q5 have?
- 8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.